UAE Offers 72 Hours Transit Visa to Indian Citizens

Posted on 30 Jun 2018

According to the TOI reports, the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has decided to grant free transit visas during the first 48 hours for passenger traffic and this visa can be extended for up to 96 hours by paying AED 50 (approximately INR 930). )) Although the decision has been made, the date in which it will be implemented, let's say older than the Indian travel industry, is still awaited.

The United Arab Emirates is already the most significant international destination for Indian travellers. Almost a quarter of all foreign trips to and from India are made through mega-operators in the United Arab Emirates such as Emirates, flydubai and Etihad. Jet Airways, in which Etihad has a 24% stake, also serves as a feeder for long-haul flights from Etihad to Abu Dhabi. About 75% of people who fly to the Gulf are only in transit between India and the rest of the world. Therefore, the decision to grant free 48-hour transit visas is expected to further increase the number of visitors to the United Arab Emirates. The famous Dubai Duty-Free slogan, "Fly Buy Dubai", could soon be added to the word "visit".

Gulf nations strive to attract Indian travellers and are relaxing visa rules. The United Arab Emirates grants visa upon arrival to Indian citizens with a valid United States visa. Oman will also do the same for Indians who reside or have an entry visa to the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan and the Schengen States. Last August, Qatar had allowed Indians and citizens from 46 other countries to stay up to 60 days there without a prior visa.